There’s a strong chance that stud Twins third base prospect Miguel Sano will miss the entire season following Tommy John elbow surgery, but because the operation is easier to come back from for hitters than pitchers the team is leaving open the possibility that he could serve as a designated hitter late in the minor league schedule.

Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports that the overall rehab plan for a position player undergoing Tommy John surgery is eight months, but after four months it’s common to be cleared to swing a bat. That means Sano could be ready to be a DH-only in August and, if not, then at least be healthy enough to get some at-bats in the Arizona Fall League or winter ball.

Roberto Alomar, Jay Buhner, Shin-Soo Choo, Carl Crawford, Rafael Furcal, Luis Gonzalez, Xavier Nady and Luke Scott are a few. As is Jose Canseco. It isn’t as common as with pitchers, but since the recovery time is significantly less it probably gives the appearance that it isn’t as common.